AviationTragedy – Amritsar Pilot Dies in Ranchi Air Ambulance Crash

AviationTragedy – The narrow lane leading to a modest home in Gobind Nagar on Sultanwind Road in Amritsar has been unusually silent since Monday night. Inside, family members and neighbours sit together, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of 31-year-old pilot Swarajdeep Singh, who was among seven people killed in an air ambulance crash near Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Final Call Before Take-Off

On Monday evening, shortly before the aircraft departed from Ranchi for Delhi, Swarajdeep called his mother — a ritual he had followed without fail throughout his flying career. He informed her that he was about to take off and assured her he would call again once he landed safely. It was a routine conversation, brief and familiar.

But the call that usually came after landing never arrived.

As hours passed and there was no word from him, the family began dialing his number. The phone was switched off. Anxiety soon gave way to fear when television channels reported that an air ambulance had lost contact around 7.20 pm and crashed near Ranchi. As the list of victims was broadcast, the family saw Swarajdeep’s name.

In that instant, their world changed irreversibly.

A Young Family Left Behind

Swarajdeep had returned to work only two days earlier after spending time at home with his wife and their four-month-old son. Those close to him say he had cherished the brief leave, making the most of his days with his young family.

He had joined the medical aviation company about seven months ago, marking what his relatives describe as a stable phase in his professional life. Two years earlier, he had married, and the arrival of his son had brought renewed joy to the household.

He is survived by his parents, grandparents, wife, infant son and a brother.

Father Recounts the Last Conversation

Amrik Singh, Swarajdeep’s father, remains seated quietly as visitors continue to gather at the family residence. His voice falters as he recalls the last exchange between his son and wife.

“He spoke to his mother before take-off,” he says repeatedly, as if holding on to the memory. “He said he would call after landing.”

The family waited through the evening, expecting the familiar ring of his phone. Instead, they were confronted with news of the crash. “When we saw his name among the victims, it was very hard to accept,” his father says, still in shock.

A Dream Pursued Against Odds

Family friend Lovpreet Singh described Swarajdeep as determined and kind-hearted. Becoming a pilot had been his childhood ambition, but the journey was not without obstacles.

After earning his pilot’s licence, he faced a challenging period while searching for steady employment. During that time, he gave tuition classes at home to support himself and ease the burden on his family. Those who knew him say he never complained and remained focused on achieving his goal.

His eventual entry into the medical aviation sector was seen as a breakthrough, offering him both professional growth and stability.

Community Mourns as Family Awaits Return

Relatives, friends and neighbours have been visiting the house since the news broke, offering condolences and support. The atmosphere remains heavy with grief, punctuated only by quiet conversations and shared memories.

The mortal remains of Swarajdeep Singh are expected to arrive in Amritsar on Wednesday. Preparations are underway for the final rites, as the family braces for one last farewell.

Until then, they wait — not for the routine post-landing call that once marked the end of every flight, but for their son to return home one final time.